Pajaro Valley Magazine | Feb. 21, 2020

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE PAJARO VALLEY

FEBRUARY 21, 2020

WATSONVILLE’S TREASURE

A supplement to The Pajaronian

A bike ride through the slough trail system

WATSONVILLE CYCLERY P5 | THE MIXING BOWL P7 | YOGA WELLNESS P12

Get Fit

MAGAZINE

21 Brennan St, Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831.761.7301

-Brian Orozco

5

Functional Aging Specialist Experience & Expertise

Senior Health & Fitness Programs

726-6493 Call Today! 831-

Now Open • New Location

FEBRUARY 21- 27, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

434 Main St. Watsonville, CA 95076 831-726-6493 • www.fftcfitness.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE

A

s I get older, I’m beginning to understand what healthy living truly means. It isn’t about starting a new extreme diet and taking enough vitamins to knock out a small cow.

It’s not about signing up TONY NUNEZ for a radical weight-loss program, or a revolutionary workout regime designed by a multi-millionaire trainer that helps Hollywood megastars shed pounds.

No, living a healthy lifestyle is about making small changes to your everyday actions that add up to a better, longer life.

That means standing more and sitting less at work, walking to your destination during lunch, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, drinking more water and getting enough sleep, among other things.

The subject of this week’s cover story is a perfect outlet for those trying to make small changes that lead to a healthier lifestyle. Watsonville’s slough trail system is a beautiful way to get in some meaningful daily exercise and escape the hustle and bustle of the typical work week that is ever dominated by above-theshoulders problem-solving.

That type of work can be stressful and overwhelming, and nothing cures those feelings quite like getting back to nature where humans are supposed to be.

Taking a walk, run or bike ride through the trail system isn’t a backbreaking or intimidating task, and, best of all, it’s free.

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Cover Story

5

Business

6

Try This

7

Food

8

Live Music

10 Photo Gallery 12 Wellness CEO & Executive Editor

Dan Pulcrano Publisher

Jeanie Johnson Managing Editor

Tony Nuñez Contributing Writers

Todd Guild Johanna Miller Sarah Ringler Tarmo Hannula Tony Nuñez Advertising Account Executives

Tina Chavez Lupita Ortiz Jazmine Ancira Design Director

Kara Brown Design Layout

Hon Truong Cover Photography

Tarmo Hannula

Published by WatsNews, LLC, Watsonville, CA. Entire contents © 2020. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

TO PLACE AN AD Email:

tchavez@pajaronian.com Phone:

831.761.7301

go where the locals go

FEBRUARY 21- 27, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Visit SantaCruzNaturals.org for delivery, menu and more!

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WILD BEAUTY Watsonville’s

slough trail system meanders through neighborhoods and businesses.

Slough trail system a county gem

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J

ust beyond the veneer of traffic din and mundane get-your-coffee-andgo workaday world lies a vast network of trails, which snake through Watsonville’s slough system. Discovering them takes only a brief walk from about two-dozen entrances scattered throughout the city.

But until I took a half-day, six-mile bike ride with Pajaronian photographer Tarmo Hannula on Feb. 14, I am ashamed to say I had seen very little of it.

We planned to take a half-day for the exploratory trip, which included a lunch stop at one of our favorite taquerias right along the way.

During our ride we ranged from Ramsay Park to the trail that runs north of Slough Road in front of the FedEx building.

We crisscrossed the city – in many cases bypassing busy roads entirely – offering short cuts and alternative routes that surprised even Tarmo, whose encyclopedic knowledge of Watsonville’s byways outrivals just about anyone’s. ➝8 Tarmo Hannula

FEBRUARY 21- 27, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

BY TODD GUILD

BUSINESS

“It’s a totally different community down here… that’s who I’m here for.”

—JULIAN MANDUJANO

Tarmo Hannula

handle everything from a basic bicycle tune-up to manufacturing a bike from the ground up.

Passion on wheels Watsonville Cyclery owner pushes public safety, involvement

By JOHANNA MILLER

W

hen Bike Santa Cruz County approached South County officials to start up a monthly community bike ride, Watsonville Cyclery owner Julian “Jules” Mandujano was eager to get involved.

Every last Friday of the month, Mandujano offers up his business at 25 East 5th St. as a starting point for the Watsonville Bike Party.

Residents gather in the cyclery's parking lot before heading out onto the streets later in the evening, donning helmets, reflective clothing and safety lights.

“It’s a great way for people to get involved and work for bike safety,” Mandujano said.

The City of Watsonville is in the process of building a secure infrastructure for bicycles. Recently, bright green bike lanes were added

FEBRUARY 21- 27, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

TALL ORDER Julian Mandujano, owner of Watsonville Cyclery on East Fifth Street, said his shop can

all over the city, and more are planned. Mandujano says it’s a good start, but that there is still a long way to go.

“After buying a bike people still ask me, ‘So, where can I ride this?’” he said. “I point them to places… the sloughs, the levees. But it’s just not obvious.”

Watsonville Cyclery was established almost 14 years ago, with nine of those years at its current location. Mandujano sells everything from cruisers and tricycles to BMX and electric pedal-assist bikes. He says that the selection available at Watsonville Cyclery is meant to support the community— it’s less about the latest and greatest technologies and more about getting people out riding.

“We’re a smaller shop than those big, fancy shops in Santa Cruz,” he said. “I’m not going to sell you a super-fancy, expensive bike. It’s a totally different community down here… that’s who I’m here for.”

The business also offers bike repairs, from basic tune-ups to complete overhauls. On the side, Mandujano tinkers in the back of his shop—he has constructed two “tall bikes,” one from metal and the other bamboo, along with his friend from Calfee Design in La Selva Beach.

One thing Mandujano emphasizes is the importance of finding the right bike. Just because your friend has one type doesn’t ➝9

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THE BUZZ Clam Chowder Cook-Off The Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off returns to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk this weekend.

Come sample clam chowder from amateur chefs (Saturday) and professional chefs (Sunday) at the country’s largest and longestrunning clam chowder competition.

Purchase a tasting kit ($10 each) and select you favorite Boston and Manhattan chowders to help pick a winner. Each kit includes six taste tickets, a spoon, cup and a ballot.

All proceeds benefit the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation department. For information visit beachboardwalk.com.

PVQA Quilt Show The Pajaro Valley Quilt Association (PVQA) will host its 42nd annual Quilt Show Saturday and Sunday, with over 300 quilts on exhibit at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville.

Featured artist will be Meri Henriques Vahl. The event includes bed turning demonstrations, a “wearable art display,” special charity exhibits, a merchant mall and flea market, and a live auction. Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 in advance. For information visit pvqa.org.

FEBRUARY 21- 27, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Father & Daughter Sweetheart Dance

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The City of Watsonville’s Parks and Community Services Department will host its Father & Daughter Sweetheart Dance on Saturday at the G.H.W.R. Youth Center, 30 Maple Ave., Watsonville from 6-9 p.m. Come dance the night away and make lasting memories as you enjoy an evening of music, food (a taco bar and dessert table) and games. The event is open to all fathers and their daughters ages 4-13. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at eventbrite.com. For information call 768-3289.

Sip for Second Harvest Join the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County for one of its premier events. A total of 15 wineries will participate in this year’s Sip for Second Harvest, Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Martinelli’s Company Store, 345 Harvest Drive, Watsonville.

Wine tastings, with appetizers

by Cilantros of Watsonville and a commemorative glass included.

Ages 21 and older. Tickets are $40 per person ($70 for two people).

All proceeds to benefit Second Harvest. For a list of featured wines and spirits, and to order tickets visit thefoodbank.org.

TRY THIS A weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like.

FOOD

FOOD

Cassidy’s Pizza: Turkey Sandwich

Sushi Garden

I’m a big believer in the beauty of simplicity. An object, idea or food TONY dish can be simple and still manage NUNEZ to rise above one that is complex and layered. I think that’s why the sandwiches at Cassidy’s Pizza still hold a special place in my heart and belly after all these years.

Their simple yet steady, reliable flavor has made them one of my favorite crave-worthy quick lunch pickups since my days at Watsonville High School. The pizza pies at Cassidy’s are a well-known commodity, as they should be, but the sandwiches at the 1400 Freedom Boulevard mainstay should be in everyone’s monthly lunch rotation, too.

Their turkey sandwich ($6.49) has all of seven ingredients: turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, mustard, cheese and bread. It’s something that could be made at home but never fully recreated in the same way. The bread always comes out crispy and fills my nostrils with a large irresistible fresh aroma, that smacks me with a dose of nostalgia. It’s a simple sandwich at its best.

It also comes with a choice of chips or a heaping side salad.

There are also pastrami, salami, ham and combo selections and a pizza sandwich, which I’m very interested in. All of them run the same price as the turkey sandwich.

Though there is a Sushi Garden restaurant in Watsonville (Overlook Center, Main Street), I was recently up in the TARMO San Lorenzo Valley on a lengthy errand HANNULA spree and ended up at their Scotts Valley location, 5600 Scotts Valley Drive With tons of parking and a large spread out setting, the eatery had a welcoming environment and friendly staff. The California Roll (shown here), Ebi Tempura roll and complimentary hot edamame hit the spot.

Fresh, tangy and bounding with flavor, each of our selections were winners, thanks to recommendations from our waitress. My wife Sarah and I relished the idea that they didn't have blaring music overhead. The open air sushi kitchen offered lively action and the chefs were very cognizant of our presence, offered thanks and smiles. It was a satisfying evening and we both agreed we'll return.

FUN San Francisco trolley With the 1898 Ferry Building in the background, an early-day trolley rolls along Market Street in San Francisco.

Such trolleys are a great way to get a taste of the city along the popular Embarcadero and on Market Street to the Castro District. I've heard from scores of people, including people that live in SF, that it is truly a small city. That's good for visitors because you can cram a lot in, even in a day’s visit. Right now is a good time to see SF because it’s in between tourist seasons. To me, a walk and a trolley ride along part of Market Street, a walk along the Embarcadero near the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building, a blast of fresh air along the edge of the San Francisco Bay and a bite to eat in nearby North Beach warrants a day trip here, for starters.

THE MIXING BOWL

Bakery Crinkle Citrus Cookies Himalayas southeast to Australia but luckily have been hybridized into sweet and sour varieties that grow around the world, even in our area. Once your citrus tree gets going, you have enough for the entire neighborhood.

CITRUS CRINKLE COOKIES

Tarmo Hannula

FRESHLY BAKED These rich, sugary cookies are similar to those made at neighborhood bakeries.

SARAH RINGLER

and sugary cookies like the kind you find in bakeries. They are quick to make but ensure that your butter is at room temperature. If the butter is too soft, the cookies will spread too much, and if it’s not soft enough, the cookies don’t spread enough. As you can see from the photo, mine should have spread a bit more. Also, these cookies are very light colored so it’s a good idea at the halfway point while they are baking, to turn the tray around in the oven. After that, check them near the time they are due to be done so they don’t turn brown.

The recipe is from the website laurenslatest.com. Lauren advertises herself as a Pro Recipe Developer from New York City, a place where it seems they have job titles like that.

Her recipe was for lemon cookies, but oranges and limes also work.

Citrus combined with sugar makes a pleasant sweet and sour flavor. Citrus plants are tropical and native to southeast Asia from the

In a bowl, sift or whisk flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder.

In a large bowl, mix cream, butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, egg, lemon zest and juice and beat smooth.

Scrape sides and beat again.

Slowly add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Scrape sides of the bowl and mix again briefly.

Pour powdered sugar onto a rimmed plate. Roll a heaping teaspoon of dough into a ball and roll in powdered sugar.

Place on the baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until bottoms begin to barely brown.

At the halfway point, turn the tray around. When cookies are done, remove from oven and cool cookies about 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, notice how pale these cookies are even though they are done and ready to eat.

FEBRUARY 21- 27, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

B

akeries have been the center of neighborhoods and communities for thousands of years, whether it’s Indian chapatis, Arabian pita, French baguettes, Chinese steamed buns, Mexican pan dulce, Ethiopian injera, San Francisco sourdough bread, and the list goes on. Not everyone could build and maintain an oven in their home but most of them liked bread. Along with the oven, you needed grain ground into flour and someone who was prepared to get up at ungodly hours to heat the oven and bake the bread so it would be ready for the public as the sun rose.

My partner, Tarmo, baked bagels at the downtown Bagelry in Santa Cruz for several years so I got to live the experience of the baker’s wife as he got up at 3 a.m. to go to work, and I rolled over in bed to enjoy the warm expanse of his vacated space.

This week’s recipe is for very rich

½ cups butter, softened to room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 whole egg 2 teaspoons lemon, orange or lime zest 1 tablespoon fresh lemon, orange or lime juice ¼ teaspoons salt ¼ teaspoons baking powder teaspoons baking soda 1½ cup all-purpose flour ½ cups powdered sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly butter baking sheets or cover with parchment paper.

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SLOUGH RIDE

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FEBRUARY 21- 27, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

We saw great white and great blue herons hunting for a late lunch, and flocks of California gulls intermingled with pairs of mallard ducks floating on the shimmering water.

Also during our trip we passed by several people, some also on bicycles, some with dogs and even one woman who was twirling two giant hula hoops.

Heather Shannon of Aptos was taking a walk with her ex-husband Doug Shannon and their dog Lily.

She compared the wetland system to Yosemite National Park, and said she was sad to see so much development on the edges.

“I come here to get back to the feeling of nature,” she said.

Leo Teixeira, who recently retired as a mailman, said that he likes the opportunity to exercise and get fresh air off the busy city streets.

“I like that you can walk freely, and walk safely,” he said.

Jeff Heinrich said he comes out for a walk about once a week. He was hoping to see a flock of whitefaced ibises.

He said the trailhead near West Marine is close to his gym.

“It’s a beautiful spot,” he said.

“Lots of birds.”

Those lucky enough to have discovered this South County treasure know that the trail system passes through some 800 acres of coastal wetlands, which draws birders from around the world to see 220 species of migratory and year-round birds.

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SAT

2/22

APTOS ST. BBQ 8059 Aptos St, Aptos

Gil de Leon, 6 p.m.

BLUE LAGOON 923 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

WAV Withdrawls Tour, 8 p.m.

SUN

2/23

Blues Mechanics, 6 p.m.

MON

2/24

Blind Rick, 6 p.m.

TUES

2/25

Kid Andersen & John “Blues” Boyd, 6 p.m.

Mourning Mountains, 8 p..m

WED

2/26

Moshe Vilozny, 6 p.m.

THU

2/27

T-Bone Mojo, 6 p.m.

FRI

2/8

Aki Kumar’s Lowdown Blues, 6 p.m.

Underground Cyphermatic Celebration, 9 p.m.

Sabine Silver, 9 p.m.

BRITANNIA ARMS 110 Monterey Ave, Capitola

CAPITOLA WINE BAR 115 San Jose Ave, Capitola

Live Music TBA, 7 p.m.

THE CATALYST NIGHT CLUB 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime, 9 p.m.

THE CATALYST ATRIUM 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

PRSZM, 9 p.m.

Live Music TBA, 7 p.m.

Berner: Something About the West Coast Tour, 9 p.m.

Whiskey Myers, 9 p.m.

Bay Faction, 9 p.m.

CILANTROS 1934 Main St, Watsonville

Olivia O’Brien, 9 p.m.

Ramirez, 9 p.m.

Combo Chimbita, 9 p.m.

Duster, 9 p.m.

KPIG Happy Hour, 5:30- KPIG Happy Hour, 7:30 p.m.

5:30-7:30 p.m.

CORRALITOS CULTURAL CENTER 127 Hames Rd., Corralitos

Acoustic Open Jam, 3 p.m.. Planet Cruz Comedy w/ Richard Stockton, 5:30 p.m.

THE CREPE PLACE 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz

Supernaut, 9 p.m.

Funk Night! w/ Space Heater, 9 p.m.

Carsie Blanton, 9 p.m.

CROW’S NEST 2218 E. Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz

The John Michael Band, Live Comedy, 9:30 p.m.

9 p.m. p.m.

Santa Cruz World Music, Hot Club Pacific, 8 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Restless Souls, 9 p.m.

THE FISH HOUSE 972 Main St, Watsonville

Chicago Bill and the Next Blues Band, 8 p.m.

KUUMBWA JAZZ 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz

Light Up the Night ft.

Lisa Hilton, 7:00 p.m.

Open Mic Night, 7 p.m.

Master Class: Jim Payne, Stacey Kent, 3:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

With much of California’s wetlands lost to development, the slough system is one of the largest remaining freshwater marshlands in the state’s coastal zone, said Watsonville Wetlands Watch Executive Director Jonathan Pilch, who noted that the sloughs are home to a nesting pair of bald eagles.

In 2013, euphoric birders from around the U.S. rushed to Watsonville to catch a glimpse of a common cuckoo that made a rare stop here.

“It’s a fantastic resource,” Pilch said. “It’s an incredibly unique environment to have in the city. On any given day you can see something amazing.’’

Pilch said that the trail system is growing in usage and popularity, which is evidenced by growing numbers of people who

David Sanborn, 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

Maita, 9 p.m.

Dayna Stephens Liberty Tom Paxton and The Trio, 7 p.m.

Don Juans, 7:30 p.m.

volunteer to help restore the wetland habitats.

This year, a record 400 people came on World Wetlands Day on Feb. 2, Pilch said.

Moreover, restoration teams frequently encounter people using the trail, he said.

“That shows a general awareness and recognition in our community about what an important place it is,” he said.

The opportunities to connect with nature aside, the trails offer a short respite from city life – it is surprisingly peaceful, given the proximity to the downtown area. With gently rolling hills, it is easy to get around for both walkers and bikers, and in many cases, wheelchairs.

And the system is slated to

CYCLERY

SAT

2/22

SUN

2/23

MICHAEL’S ON MAIN 2591 Main St, Soquel

The China Cats, 8:30 p.m.

MOTIV 1209 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

DJ AV, 9:30 p.m.

MOE’S ALLEY 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

Midtown Social + The Humidors, 9 p.m.

Chris Cain, 4 p.m.

Pato Banton, 9 p.m.

PARADISE BEACH 215 Esplanade, Capitola

Live Music, 2 p.m.

Live Music, 2 p.m.

MON

2/24

Grateful Sundays, 5:30 p.m.

RIO THEATRE 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

TUES

2/25

WED

Mojo Cruz, 8 p.m.

SANDERLINGS 1 Seascape Resort, Aptos

Golden Shred, 7:30 p.m.

SHADOWBROOK 1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola

Claudio Melega, 7 p.m.

Joe Ferrara, 6:30

UGLY MUG 4640 Soquel Ave., Soquel

Keller Sisters, 7:30 p.m.

FRI

2/8

Abba Dabba Doo, 8:30 p.m.

The Takeover, 9:30 p.m.

The Get Down, 9:30 p.m.

Libation Lab w/TColvin & Enzo, 9:30 p.m.

Brandon Beach, 9:30 p.m.

The Greyboy Allstars, 8:30 p.m.

Apple City Slough Band, 8:30 p.m.

Live Music, 6 p.m.

Live Music, 6 p.m.

Joshua Radin & Friends, 8 p.m.

Don Mcaslin & the Amazing Jazz Geezers, 6 p.m.

Lara Price Velvet Plum, 8 p.m.

mean you need the same thing, he said. The decision can be as important as buying the right car.

“I’m passionate about my job,” Mandujano said. “I want to make sure that people who come in here get some knowledge. That they’re not just buying something because they think it looks cool. Every bike has a purpose.”

As for the future of cycling in Watsonville, Mandujano is optimistic.

“I think people are definitely feeling better about riding now,” he said.

“It’s about pushing safety on kids, their parents and drivers. It’s about working together as a community.”

For information about Watsonville Cyclery visit watsonvillecyclery. com. For information on the next community ride, visit Watsonville Bike Party’s Facebook page.

Jack Gates Trio, 7:30 p.m.

thu: Ken Constable, 6:30 p.m.

Open Mic, 5:30 p.m.

Joe Ferrara, 6:30 p.m.

Morgen, 6:30 p.m.

Myhaylo K, 5 p.m

Flamenco music, 6 p.m.

Ryan Price, 6 p.m.

Tarmo Hannula

DJ Yosemite & The Spicy Boys, 9:30 p.m.

John Michael Band, 9:30 p.m.

ZIZZO’S COFFEEHOUSE & Keith & Carol, WINE BAR 7 p.m.

3555 Clares St., Capitola

READY TO RIDE Watsonville

“It’s a fantastic resource… It’s an incredibly unique environment to have in the city.”

—JONATHAN PILCH

Cyclery carries a selection of cruisers, road bikes, mountain bikes and even tricycles for adults.

FEBRUARY 21- 27, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

expand, with city leaders implementing the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan.

We were both happy to see that the vast majority of the trail system was litter and graffiti free, and was in general well maintained.

That comes thanks to a partnership between the city and Watsonville Wetlands Watch These plans include a three-mile trail starting at Harkins Slough Road and ending at West Riverside Drive, including a pedestrian bridge over the sloughs. That trail will connect to Pajaro Valley High School.

The slough trail system is a county treasure. If you have not yet discovered it, I strongly suggest doing so soon.

2/27

Peter Harper, 7:30 p.m.

VINOCRUZ 4901 Soquel Dr., Soquel

ZELDA’S 203 Esplanade, Capitola

THU

Open Mic Acoustic Jam, Teada, 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

JD Souther, 8 p.m.

SEVERINO’S 7500 Old Dominion Ct., Aptos

2/26

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PHOTO GALLERY

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Tarmo Hannula

FEBRUARY 21- 27, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Have a recent photo you’d like to share? Send it to us for consideration by emailing it to tnunez@pajaronian.com or mailing it to 21 Brennan St., Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076. Please include a brief description of the photo as well as the name of the photographer.

RAINBOW A man creates a huge bubble in downtown Santa Cruz as

others capture the moment on their cameras.

REFLECTION

Into the Mystic is one of scores of sailboats moored at the Santa Cruz Harbor.

UP CLOSE Happy cows at dinner time

on Pioneer Ranch, Pajaro Valley.

FEBRUARY 21- 27, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Photography by Elyse Destout

downtown Santa Cruz for passersby.

Tarmo Hannula

Tarmo Hannula

Tarmo Hannula

ROCK ON A man plays his National steel guitar in

QUIET PLACE

These women find time to chat early Tuesday morning on the railroad tracks off of Seabright Avenue in Santa Cruz.

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WELLNESS

Tarmo Hannula

OWNER, OPERATOR Phoenix

Artemisia is the owner of Watsonville Yoga.

Tony Nunez

IN MOTION Nicoletta Rubino leads a yoga class at Watsonville Yoga, Dance and Healing Arts.

FEBRUARY 21- 27, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Watsonville Yoga offers something for everyone

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By TONY NUÑEZ

W

hen Phoenix Artemisia decided to open a yoga studio in Watsonville in 2016, no other location around the city grabbed her attention more than downtown.

That was despite some pushback from friends, who had concerns about her safety and that of her clients.

Artemisia, ever the optimist, thought she could create positive change in a corridor littered with empty storefronts and deserted evening streets.

“I thought, ‘Well, I’ll be one more open door then. I’ll be one more place with the lights on and we’ll be doing something healthy,’”

she said. “That’s how you create change in neighborhoods that are being undermined.”

Watsonville Yoga, Dance and Healing Arts celebrated its third anniversary late last year, and Artemisia said the business atmosphere in downtown is starting to change.

There’s been a renewed, steady investment and acknowledgment into the corridor from city leadership, and new businesses such as Slice Project, a hip pizzeria that opened just down the street, are pushing that progress forward. It might be happening slowly, but progress, she said, is progress.

“It’s been calmly, quietly growing,” she said.

Her studio, housed in an historic building at the corner of Main and West Beach streets, has also helped

spur that growth with a wide array of classes that stretch well beyond a simple yoga sweat session.

Watsonville Yoga offers salsa rueda and belly dance classes and also teaches capoeira to kids ages 4-10. Those dance classes are sandwiched between several yoga sessions, including courses designed for beginners, seniors and expecting mothers. They also offer restorative, heated, Hatha and vinyasa yoga, as well as Tai Chi and pilates.

True to its name, the studio also offers a half dozen healing practices such as acupuncture and massages.

Artemisia prides herself on offering something for everyone, making her studio a one-stop-shop for folks of varying interest, experience and background—in all, her studio features 35 classes per week,

most of which are taught by bilingual instructors.

Watsonville Yoga also gives back to the community by offering a free Tuesday yoga class for cancer patients in recovery, and also allows farmworkers to drop in free of charge via the “honor system.”

That accessibility and her prices, which she said are $5-10 less than other studios in Santa Cruz County, have helped her business grow during her first three years.

“Things don’t really grow in our community because of Instagram or Twitter. It’s about people,” she said. “That’s a wonderful thing to know, that we have the trust of the community, and that the community is coming through word-of-mouth. That takes time.”

A longtime South County resident, Artemisia spent six months in Rishikesh in northwest India over three years studying Buddhist philosophy and learning the craft. That time, she said, fueled her outlook on the practice, life and her studio.

“Sometimes people who haven’t come to do yoga before are reserved because they’re afraid it’s kind of a boutique place where everybody has to have their Lululemon clothing,” she said. “That’s not what we’re about.”

For information and class schedules visit www.watsonville.yoga.